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Mum-of-22 Sue Radford’s daughter Chloe sobs over her toddler’s DIY haircut which looks like she’s ‘shaved her head’

IT’S a situation that many parents can relate to.

But that didn’t make things any easier for mum-of-22 Sue Radford’s daughter Chloe, when she discovered her two-year-old little girl Mila had given herself a DIY haircut.

A blonde woman in a grey sweatshirt reacting to a toddler's bad haircut.
Chloe Radford admitted she “cried loads” when she saw what daughter Mila had done
tiktok/@itschloexa
A woman and young girl stand together indoors.
The little girl looked very proud of herself as she bounded onto the screen
tiktok/@itschloexa
A woman styling her young daughter's hair.
Chloe said it looked as though Mila had “shaved her head”
tiktok/@itschloexa
Photo of a woman and young child in bed; text overlay asks if the child is excited to be a big sister.
Mila is seen here before her DIY trim
Instagram/chloeradford

The mum-of-two admitted she was left sobbing when she discovered what her daughter had done.

“My two-year-old wants to show you the haircut she’s given herself and you’d better say something nice,” Chloe began, with the TikTok video following the format of a current viral trend.

She then introduced Mila onto the screen, as she said: “Wow, gorgeous.

“Are you pleased with yourself?”

The little girl showed that she’d taken the scissors to the front of her hair, with Chloe captioning the video: “Honestly if I don’t laugh I’ll cry!” 

“Oh gosh Mila,” Chloe’s mum Sue commented on the video.

“Must admit I did a proper open gasp when you sent me the picture this morning.

“I think she’s actually proud of herself!

“She’s just getting herself ready for her birthday in a few weeks!”

“Why do they always have to take it to the scalp though?!” another added.

“My daughter did this and I actually cried a whole river!”

“Honestly it looks like she’s shaved it,” Chloe replied.

“I can’t believe how much she’s cut!! So upset I cried loads!”

“Oh Mila,” someone else wrote.

“I’d definitely cry so well done Chloe!”

“No I did cry when I first saw it, can’t lie haha,” Chloe replied.

Hair re-growth FAQs

Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous.

How long does it take for hair to grow back? 

Hair grows, on average, half an inch a month. You cannot speed this up.

Do rosemary oil and scalp massages work? 

Oils do not promote hair growth. In terms of rosemary oil, the current trend stems from one small study carried out on 50 men in 2015. No women were involved, and the study compared the effects of 2 per cent minoxidil to Rosemary oil. 2 per cent minoxidil doesn’t do much for
male pattern hair loss anyway, so the results were not very impressive.  Oils do serve a purpose in conditioning hair treatments though. They help add shine and smooth the hair cuticle to lock-in moisture and improve combability.  Scalp massages alone won’t cure hair loss, but it can help relax you, aid in lymphatic drainage, exfoliate and help topicals penetrate.

Are there any products or foods/vitamins you recommend someone using or eating to help with hair regrowth?

To support healthy hair regrowth, if you are experiencing hair thinning we’d recommend our Density Preserving Scalp Drops clinically proven to help slow hair loss with continued daily use within three months.  

Telogen effluvium (hair shedding) due to nutritional deficiencies can often be simply treated with changes to your diet, and nutritional supplements such as our specially formulated Density Healthy Hair Complex and Density Amino Acid Booster. 

Iron and Ferritin (stored iron) in red meat, dried apricots and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin B12 in animal products and fortified plant-based foods. Protein from oily fish, lean meat, cottage cheese, tofu, nuts, chickpeas, and beans. 

However, there may be an underlying cause for their hair loss and rather than this being masked by using an off-the-shelf product, they should be encouraged to seek the advice of a specialist such as a Trichologist. 

Other people in the comments took aim at Chloe for even allowing Mila anywhere near some scissors.

“My point would be how she got scissors to be alone,” one wrote.

To which someone else replied; “Either you aren’t a parent… Or you’re in denial about things self professed perfect humans believe children shouldn’t do just to belittle parents.

“One of my kids shaved her eyebrow once.

“Yes I felt guilty she got hold of my razor… But I’m glad I’m not judgemental like you!”

“Came here for the comments blaming you for not watching her or allowing her access to scissors,” another responded.

“It’ll grow before you know it! And it’s a rite of passage like a Sudocremed child!”

However, there were some who used the comments section to admit they’d found themselves in similar situations with their kids when they were little.

“I did this to my hair when I was about 7… I wore a headband for months til it grew out again!” one wrote.

“Bless her, we’ve all experienced that,” another laughed.

“Luckily she can have a side parting with a pretty hairslide to keep it in place.”

“My daughter cut the entire right side of her hair off,” a third admitted.

“I was hysterically crying.

“She’s 19 now and it grew back lovely – the joy of kids!”

A young girl with a short haircut looks at the camera while a woman stands behind her with her arms crossed.
Chloe’s face in the background was hilarious as Mila showed off her new ‘do
tiktok/@itschloexa

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Argos is selling ‘superb’ £33 garden furniture set that’s easy to fold up & store away in the winter months

IF you’re looking to soak up the sun but your garden is a bit tight for space, Argos has just the thing.

This outdoor furniture set can be easily folded and stored away, and it’s currently cheaper than ever.

Two black mesh folding chairs on a lawn, one with a watermelon patterned cushion.
Argos
Argos shoppers can pick up the Atlantic Set of 2 Folding Metal Garden Chairs for just £33.75[/caption]

Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach, a night of camping, or some time in your garden, these folding chairs are the perfect summer buy.

These chairs are also ideal if you need to add some extra seating to your space while hosting.

The Argos Home Atlantic Set of 2 Folding Metal Garden Chairs is currently available for 25%.

Argos shoppers can pick up the chairs for just £33.75 rather than the usual £45.

“Enjoy lunch on the terrace, snacks on the patio, or drinks on the decking with this fabulous pair,” the product description read.

Product details

According to manufacturers, the folding textilene chairs “will keep you cool and comfortable in even the hottest weather”.

And with temperatures set to spike again, these chairs may be worth the investment.

You can even pair them with a table and barbeque to create the ultimate summer set-up.

Or you can pack them into your car for a day at the seaside or a camping excursion.

And since festival season has well and truly kicked off, these chairs may be snapped up soon.

Made from steel with a silver powder coating, these chairs are designed for long-lasting performance.

And dpn’t wprry if you’re not a DIY expert, the chairs are supplied fully assembled.

Measuring 88 centimetres in seat height, they can be folded for easy storage.

Manufacturers recommend covering the chairs or storing them inside during the winter months.

They also offer a one-year guarantee on this product.

Don't miss out...

Visit The Sun’s shopping home and garden hub for more news, deals and tips.

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Rave reviews

Argos shoppers awarded the set of chairs a rating of 4.5 stars out of five.

“These steel folding chairs are best for outdoor use when you want to relax in the sunshine,” wrote one customer.

“Also good for indoor use too as extra seating for guests. It’s comfortable to sit on.”

“This is the second time I have bought these chairs. Very comfortable and great value for money,” said another person.

“Worthwhile to spend the money on these chairs. Reasonable price. Comfortable, strong chairs,” agreed a third reviewer.

Another Argos customer described the folding chair set as a “superb” buy.

More garden buys

You can also turn up a stunning boho escape with Aldi’s £25 middle aisle bargain.

And you can add a fun summer touch to your garden this summer season.

The retailer also has a £10 garden essential that’s perfect for lazing in the sun.

And the Sun has tried and tested a variety of camping gear so you don’t have to.

Plus, a breakdown of the best deals for festival gear this summer.

Folding metal garden chair with black mesh back and seat.
Argos
The folding chairs can be easily stored and transported, making them ideal for smaller gardens as well as beach days, festivals, and camping[/caption]

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Thai man attacks friend’s wife’s lover after catching them in bed

A Thai man beat his friend’s wife’s lover with a broomstick after catching them together on a bed in an abandoned house in Samut Prakan province. He claimed he was seeking revenge on behalf of his friend, though netizens suspected jealousy as the real motive. Officers from Samrong Nuea Police Station were alerted to the …

The story Thai man attacks friend’s wife’s lover after catching them in bed as seen on Thaiger News.

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Who is Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso?

DIOGO JOTA has tragically died alongside his brother in a car crash while on holiday in Spain.

The devastating news comes just days after the Liverpool and Portugal star, 28, got married to Rute Cardoso on June 22.

Bride and groom with their children in a church.
fk.felippekatia
Rute Cardoso and Diogo Jota pictured at their wedding with their three children[/caption]
Bride and groom embracing in front of a fountain.
Instagram @diogoj_18
The ceremony took place on June 22[/caption]

The Portuguese football federation and Liverpool FC confirmed the tragedy with statements.

Liverpool said expressed their “deep sadness” and highlighted his “professionalism, humanity and commitment to the club.”

The Portuguese federation said the loss of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, represent “irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”

Tributes flooded in for the international star, who was a crucial part of Liverpool winning the league under Arne Slot in 2024-25.

The versatile attacker signed at Anfield from Wolves in 2020, after spells at Atletico Madrid and Porto.

Jota and Andre Silva – who played professional for Portuguese second division team Penafiel – were driving towards Portugal from Spain, according to local authorities.

The car is said to have gone off the road and caught fire.

Who is Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso?

Jota and Rute Cardoso first met in 2012 aged just 13.

They went to high school together in Porto and have been together since, with Rute following Diogo throughout his career.

They have have three children together – their two sons are Dinis and Duarte while the the name of their third child, a daughter, is unknown.

Diogo and Rute were engaged in July 2022 at a lake.

They were married in their hometown of Porto on June 22, 2025.

Pictures shared recently on social media showed the wedding with Diogo and Rute pictured together with their three kids.

In the caption of the picture, Rute wrote: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.”

On Jota’s post, he wrote: “A day we will never forget.”

A later post from Rute had the caption: “My dream come true.”

Jota left a comment that read: “I’m the lucky one.”

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Music legend, 58, looks unrecognizable as he clutches cane in new snap with famous wife – leaving fans concerned

THIS country music legend looked unrecognisable as he clutched a cane in his latest photo.

Fans had some concerns following a social media post of the singer, 58 and his famous wife.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill sitting together at an outdoor cafe.
thetimmcgraw/Instagram
This country music star concerned fans when he shared a picture holding a cane[/caption]
Tim McGraw performing on stage.
Getty
The star in question is country music legend Tim McGraw[/caption]
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at the 1883 premiere.
Getty
Tim is married to fellow country star Faith Hill[/caption]

Country star Tim McGraw shared a picture of himself on Instagram with his singer wife Faith Hill, 57, as they spent some time together in Denmark.

The pair were pictured sitting at an outdoor cafe in Copenhagen, which is where they are staying as they support their daughter Audrey, 23, on tour

The couple looked loved-up as they smiled for the camera, with smitten Tim writing next to the sweet snap: “Hangin’ with my baby in Copenhagen to see @audreymcgraw on tour with the fabulous @brandicarlile.”

But despite the cute photo, fans were left concerned for Tim as he was pictured with a cane.

Taking to the comments, one fan wrote: “Beautiful photo. Why do you have a cane? Are you ok?”‘ one fan asked.”

Another follow said: “@thetimmcgraw praying for your recovery.”

This one wrote: “Need the full story on the cane, my man.’

While another added: “One thing for sure … doesn’t look like you.”

Tim is yet to reveal why he is having to use a cane, but he did previously open up about having ongoing back and knee issues. 

Speaking in May to Bobby Bones podcast, he revealed: “I had had a back surgery before tour last year, and that sort of went south on me at the beginning of the tour, and sort of compensating for that my knees went out like three weeks into the tour.” 

HEALTH SCARE

Back in 2018, Tim shocked shocked concertgoers after he collapsed on stage during a gig in Ireland.

The country music star fell to his knees during a performance of his song Humble And Kind at Dublin’s Country2Country festival.

After he collapsed Tim’s wife Faith came out to address the crowd, and revealed that her husband was “super dehydrated from travelling so much”.

She then revealed that she “had taken the decision to have him not come back out on stage”.

Tim’s spokesman said at the time: “Tim McGraw was suffering from Dublin this evening at the C2C show.

“He was attended to by local medical staff on-site and will be fine.

“He and Faith thank everyone for their love and support and look forward to seeing their Irish fans again soon.”

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at the Stepford Wives premiere.
Getty
Tim and Faith have been happily married since the 90s[/caption]

HAPPY LIFE

Tim and Faith tied the knot back in 1996.

Together the couple have three daughters together – Gracie, Maggie and Audrey.

Tim has previously revealed that music is his “saviour.”

He said: “Anything that’s ever happened good in my life has come from music.

“So it’s a treasure to me. Whether I want to do it continually, whether I want to stop doing it, any of those things, it’s my saviour in a lot of ways.”

Away from the country music scene, Tim teamed up with rapper Nelly for the 2004 hit Over and Over, which reached number one in the UK.

He also starred alongside Sandra Bullock in the 2009 film The Blind Side.

Last year, Tim won high praise when he collaborated with Post Malone on the hit song, Wrong Ones.

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Fresh blow for Coronation Street star Simon Gregson as wife forced to close business amid money woes

CORONATION Street star Simon Gregson has been dealt a fresh blow – with his wife forced to close her business amid money woes.

Simon, 50, has played cobbles fan favourite Steve McDonald since debuting in 1989.

Simon Gregson and his wife Emma.
Instagram
Simon Gregson’s wife Emma has closed her business[/caption]
Simon Gregson and Emma Gleave at a charity ball.
Splash News
The couple have been married since 2010[/caption]
Photo of a tea room kitchen with the words "TO BE CONTINUED..." overlaid.
Instagram / @tearoomswilmslow
Emma shared an update about her business via Instagram[/caption]

For the past two and a half years, his wife Emma has been running village tearooms named Morley Tearooms.

Taking to Instagram, she confirmed the end of her time in the premises.

Emma re-shared a story from the tearooms’ account, which read: “End of Morley Tearooms but the beginning of something even better.

“It’s been a pleasure……

“When we move, we move together. Can’t wait to update and see you all very soon xxx. Em.”

Emma previously took to Facebook and addressed leaving the tearooms behind.

She wrote: “So, it’s true…. My time at the Tea rooms has unfortunately come to an end.

“I decided to leave due to the new lease not suiting my requirements. It was verbally agreed that I stay until the end of summer.”

But she’s since been told that she needs to leave “a lot sooner,” and her final trading day was set for June 29. 

She continued: “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love I’ve received over the last couple of days. It’s been extremely humbling and heartwarming to have the support from all of you, you have no idea what it has meant to me.

“I’ve started to take all of your details so I can take you all on my new adventure which will be bigger and better and just down the road. So this is not the end, and this certainly isn’t goodbye.

“I hope you’ll all follow me onto this next exciting project which I’ll update you all on soon. In the meantime, I hope to see you all in the next couple of weeks.”

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Simon was being investigated over the collapse of his production firm, which saw him owing £165,000 to the tax office and a bank.

Liquidators called in to break up Simon Gregson Productions Ltd filed a report on the soap star’s conduct to the Government.

They demanded repayment of £252,000 taken from the firm’s coffers and paid into a separate account controlled by the actor – and number crunchers working on the liquidation concluded in official papers there were no further avenues to go down to reclaim the actor’s debt.

The soap favourite faced losing his house over the closure of his company.

History of the Coronation Street set

By Jake Penkethman, TV Reporter

1960-1968 – Whilst the Coronation Street set remained on Quay Street for 53 years, it actually had three separate studio sites. The first was an entirely indoor wooden set which was used for the first eight years of filming. This encompassed a replica of the Street built entirely indoors. The set was known to be awkward for actors to use and the houses brought to three quarter scale.

1968-1982 – In 1968, the addition of an outdoor set was created to adjoin the existing indoor set which was still used for filming right up until 1982. The set was used only when required with many of the show’s cast reportedly hating it and describing it as ‘the coldest place on Earth’.

1982-2013 – A brand new set was officially constructed in 1982 and was almost built fully to scale but still only permitted for one car to drive down the cobbled street. The house were purpose-built using reclaimed Salford brick in order to give it the most authentic feel possible. During these years, some of the show’s buildings were adapted to allow for both interior and exterior filming at the same time. These locations included Elliott’s Butchers, Barlow’s Buys, Prima Doner and Webster’s Autos. The final scenes to be recorded on this site occurred in December 2013. By early 2014, it began operating as a tourist attraction for around two years before ultimately being demolished and re-purposed in 2017.

2014-present – In early 2014, the show’s set moved to the TV hub of the North – MediaCityUK in nearby Salford Quays. It is now located a stone’s throw from major TV studio Dock 10 as well as the BBC’s base in the North – home to Blue Peter, Newsround, BBC Breakfast and BBC Sport. The new set was even bigger and built to 9/10 the scale of a real street and allowed for two card to be travelling down the road at opposite sides for the very first time. The site has even undergone major expansions during its 10 years. Just four years after opening in 2018, a brand new set extension was unveiled which introduced viewers to Victoria Gardens for the first time in its history. The Weatherfield North tram stop also became visible as did a series of shops which became used as part of product placement advertising deals. Brands to have been seen on the Street so far include a Co-Op, a Costa Coffee and a branch of Hay’s Travel. Four years later in 2022, another brand new set was unveiled, this time being the heavily mentioned Weatherfield Precinct. It became the first time in 62 years that the area had ever been seen on screens. It fearued a variety of shop fronts, a playground and a number of small flats which have begun to house more and more residents on the street in recent months.

Elsewhere, Simon’s side-hustle was revealed, with the soap favourite getting extra cash flow through Cameo. 

Cameo allows Simon to send personalised video messages to his fans, whether it be for a birthday or anniversary. 

And he’s charging £37.50-per-video on the platform, which says fans will: “Have the chance to customize your request for Simon Gregson, like asking them to mention inside jokes, share words of wisdom, or work in their signature catchphrases.” 

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Cassie Plummer and Steve McDonald from Coronation Street.
ITV
Simon is well-known for playing Steve McDonald in Corrie[/caption]

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Truth about hero dad who leapt off Disney cruise to save daughter, 5, revealed – as glam doc seen cradling girl is named

THE truth about the hero dad who leapt off a Disney cruise ship to save his five-year-old daughter has been revealed.

Police have officially shut down swirling rumours about the father’s role in Sunday’s terrifying incident.

A rescue boat with several people aboard.
Facebook
The dad (picured in a red shirt) immediately dived roughly 50ft into the ocean to save his daughter[/caption]
Ocean view from a Disney cruise ship's deck.
Facebook/Kevin Furuta
The girl fell overboard from the fourth deck of the Disney Dream cruise[/caption]
Rescued five-year-old girl and her father in a lifeboat.
Party_Objective/Reddit
The five-year-old sits on the ship’s lead physician’s lap as her identity is finally revealed[/caption]
Alyssa Charles, doctor who saved a 5-year-old girl.
Facebook
Alyssa Charles is a pediatric and emergency care specialist from South Africa[/caption]

It comes as the glamorous doctor seen cradling the rescued girl has now been named as Alyssa Charles.

The child fell from the fourth deck of the $900 million Disney Dream around 11.30am as the vessel made its way back to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas.

Her dad, 37, immediately dived roughly 50ft into the ocean in a desperate attempt to save her.

He reportedly kept the little girl afloat for nearly 20 minutes before the pair were rescued by ship crew.

Initially hailed as a hero, the dad soon became the target of online outrage amid widespread – and now debunked – claims that he had lifted the child onto a 42.5-inch railing to take a photo, causing her to fall.

But on Wednesday, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office officially refuted that viral theory.

Sheriff Gregory Tony said the child was sitting on the railing and fell backwards through a porthole – but made it clear that the dad did not put her there.

He said in a press briefing: “After the girl’s mother alerted her husband, who didn’t see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter.

“BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship.”

Tony added that security video from the Disney Dream corroborated the family’s version of events.

“This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome,” he said.

The girl’s fall triggered an immediate man overboard alarm and emergency code “Mr MOB” across the ship, launching a high-speed rescue effort that played out in front of hundreds of stunned passengers.

Witnesses described frantic scenes as life rings were hurled into the ocean and a yellow rescue craft raced from the vessel to reach the dad-daughter duo.

Passenger Nikki Samsill Jackson told the Daily Mail: “When they were rescued, dad had his arms around his child and he was treading water.

 “Everybody was cheering.”

Passenger Chandler, who spoke to People, said she heard a loud thud after the fall.

“It sounded like hitting pavement, nothing like if you jump into a pool,” she said, describing an “awful” scream she believed came from the girl’s mother.

Portrait of Dr. Alyssa Charles.
Linkedin
The doctor who saved the girl has been identified as Alyssa Charles[/caption]
A young girl is rescued and held by a woman in a yellow lifeboat.
Facebook
Charles can be seen holding the child after the rescue[/caption]

Glam doctor revealed

Once pulled from the water, it wasn’t her dad but a mystery woman seen cradling the rescued girl that captured attention online.

That woman has now been identified as Dr Alyssa Charles, the Disney Dream’s lead physician.

Charles, a pediatric and emergency care specialist from South Africa, was seen holding the girl gently in her lap, stroking her hair as she assessed her condition.

The footage went viral, with people praising her for the heartwarming care she provided.

“She was holding her like her own!” one user posted.

“The rescuer rubbing her head,” another wrote, adding a crying emoji.

Charles, who joined Disney Cruise Line in August last year, has previously worked at the Red Cross and travelled the world as a cruise doctor.

Her sister Jasmine confirmed her identity in a proud Instagram post: “That’s my sister! Doctor on the rescue boat!”

The girl appeared healthy after the terrifying ordeal, though her dad was reportedly injured while keeping her afloat and was taken to hospital after the ship returned to port.

Police declined to specify the nature of his injuries.

Disney has since praised its staff for their swift response.

A spokesperson said: “The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water.

“We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions.

 “This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

Cruise officials are continuing to review how the girl was able to fall though cops have made it clear that no foul play is suspected.

The Disney Dream, which carries up to 3,500 passengers and can reach speeds of 25mph, was last refurbished in 2024.

It docked in Fort Lauderdale on Monday before continuing its five-day itinerary to Nassau and Disney Lookout Cay.

The cruise is due to return to Florida on Saturday.

Man fishing as Disney Dream cruise ship departs.
Getty
The cruise was making its way back to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas when the fall happened[/caption]

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‘High-value’ suspect yields P5.5-M shabu in Laguna

LUCENA CITY – Police anti-narcotics operatives arrested a “high-value” drug trafficker and seized more than P5.5 million worth of “shabu” (crystal meth) in a buy-bust operation on Thursday, July 3, in Siniloan town, Laguna province. Colonel Ricardo Dalmacia, Laguna police chief, said in a report that the suspect, identified only by the alias “Jr,” was

Read More »

Thai man rides naked with dildos strapped to bike in Chiang Mai

A man from Chiang Mai’s San Sai district has stunned villagers after riding naked on his motorbike with three giant dildos strapped to the side. The shocking incident, which was caught on camera, shows a 49 year old man from Lampang, later identified as Kluay, cruising through the village of Chedi Mae Krua while fully …

The story Thai man rides naked with dildos strapped to bike in Chiang Mai as seen on Thaiger News.

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Millions of Brits still can’t swim – and a third don’t feel confident in the water, survey shows

NEARLY nine million British adults are still unable to swim, according to shocking new research.

A study of 2,000 adults found 17 per cent have no swimming ability whatsoever, 33 per cent don’t feel confident in the water, and 42 per cent will only brave the shallow end.

Olympic swimmer Tom Dean swimming.
Will Ireland/PinPep
New study reveals that 17 per cent of adults have no swimming ability[/caption]
Olympic swimmer Tom Dean teaching a woman to swim.
Will Ireland/PinPep
Olympic swimmer, Tom Dean, is helping adults learn to swim this summer[/caption]
Olympic swimmer Tom Dean teaching adults to swim.
Will Ireland/PinPep
This is part of EasyJet’s new initiative that’s offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK[/caption]

Despite swimming and water safety being on the national curriculum, one in five said they weren’t offered lessons at school,

Also, a further 24 per cent didn’t get taught because their parents couldn’t swim.

Others were put off by a bad experience, or didn’t see swimming as important when they were growing up.

The research was commissioned by EasyJet, as part of an initiative that offers free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK ahead of the summer holidays.

The programme has been developed in partnership with Triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean, national swim provider Better, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

Tom Dean, who has spoken to Parliament about water safety, said: “As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to basic swimming competencies.

“Whether it’s staying with a buddy, knowing your limits, or sticking to areas where you can stand, it’s never too late to learn how to swim.”

The research also revealed that 17 per cent of Brits grew up without a local pool.

More than 100 public pools have closed across the UK in the past 20 years – with the average pool now 4.3 miles from people’s homes.

For five per cent, the nearest pool is more than 10 miles away.

Worryingly, this gap could grow in the years ahead – with 14 per cent of parents admitting they haven’t enrolled their children in swimming lessons and don’t plan to teach them either.

Of these, 20 per cent say they don’t have the time, 15 per cent cite high costs, and 13 per cent believe swimming is too risky.

Despite this, 31 per cent of parents worry about their children swimming on holiday because they can’t swim themselves.

A further 32 per cent fear they wouldn’t be able to help if something went wrong, and 18 per cent wish they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool – but can’t.

Meanwhile, 25 per cent say their lack of swimming ability affects how much they enjoy their holidays.

Nearly one in five are too scared to get in the pool at all, and 11 per cent have avoided beach holidays altogether because of it.

But now, 35 per cent of non-swimmers would take lessons as adults if given the chance – with 23 per cent admitting their lack of ability makes them feel vulnerable.

Top 10 barriers to learning how to swim as children

1.    It wasn’t seen as important growing up

2.    School didn’t offer a learn-to-swim programme

3.    Parents couldn’t swim so didn’t teach them

4.    Parents didn’t have time to take them to lessons

5.    A bad early experience

6.    No pool nearby

7.    Seen as too dangerous

8.    No time during school

9.    Not part of their culture or religion

10.   Too expensive

Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe’s favourite destinations.

“That’s why it’s so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can’t swim – something we’re determined to help change. 

“By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we’re also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim.

“Together, we’re taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.”

Olympic swimmer Tom Dean at a pool, promoting easyJet Holidays' Swim School program.
Will Ireland/PinPep
Tom Dean is a triple olympic gold medalist[/caption]
Four adults participating in a swimming program in an indoor pool.
Will Ireland/PinPep
The survey showed that 33 per cent of adults don’t feel comfortable in the water[/caption]
Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, wearing a "Swimming Teacher" shirt, at an indoor pool.
Will Ireland/PinPep
Dean is passionate about ensuring every Brit has basic swimming competencies[/caption]
Four adults in a swimming pool, arms crossed, smiling at the camera.
Will Ireland/PinPep
17 per cent of Brits grew up without a local pool[/caption]

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